Max Middleton was among Australia’s most revered En Plein Air painters. Inspired by J.W. Turner, he spent hours beneath the country’s harsh climate – frost, heat, wind and rain – transfixed by the movement of light. He studied under H. Septimus Power before visiting Europe, where he painted locals in Spain – inviting the human figure into his landscapes.

‘In the Pool’ is a glorious image. In it, Middleton distills a nude bathing in shallow water, golden light suffusing the scene. His subject is one with her surroundings, sanguine and sun-drenched. Described as having a gentle reverence for life, Middleton’s work mirrors his approach to life. In both, bountiful space is reserved to bask in beauty.

Middleton was the subject of a retrospective at Castlemaine Art Gallery in 2012, and he represented at Brisbane State Gallery, Bendigo Art Gallery and Benalla Art Gallery. For collectors of Australian impressionism, ‘In the Pool’ is a miraculous find.

Max MIDDLETON (1922 - 2013)
'In the Pool' 2000
oil on canvas
Image Size: 43 x 50 cm
Dimensions: 51 x 56 x 2 cm
Signed: signed Max Middleton lower right
Comes with Letter of Provenance
Oil on canvas on board. Estate of the artist.
 
Condition: Very Good: Describes a work of art's image as Excellent, but may show some small signs of surrounding wear to paper or frame. There are no tears to paper margin or disruption to the paint surface.
 
© The Artist or Assignee